10/29/10

This Halloween, skip the store-bought costumes and make your own. Many disposable costumes are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and often painted with toxic paints and dyes. Be creative instead. Rummage through your own closets or thrift stores for more affordable, unique costumes you can put together yourself. Making your own costume also guarantees that you'll have something one-of-a-kind instead of a look that's mass-produced.

10/28/10

Mice have a genetic predisposition to be afraid of cats and avoid areas where they pick up their scent. If your home is cat-free, consider asking a friend or neighbor to groom their kitty and save a small bag of fur for you. You can sprinkle this fur along edges of the house or in cracks or crevices where mice might hide; the fur acts as a natural deterrent.

10/27/10

If you brew a cup of coffee each morning and wonder what to do with the cold java at the end of the day, consider giving a pick-me-up to your plants. Acidic soil-loving plants like azaleas, evergreens and rose bushes will soak it up. You can also mix your used coffee grounds into the soil or add it to the compost for a nutritional boost. Also consider adding cold coffee to the watering can when taking care of your indoor plants.